Day 1: Rhodes

With its international airport, harbours, well-stocked shops and restaurants, tavernas and clubs, Rhodes has always been a good port from which to start or end a cruise. The yacht harbour is a stones throw from the old city walls built by the Knights of St. John. Behind these huge fortifications the ‘Old Town’ is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and exploration is strongly recommended.

Visit old town and spend a relaxing afternoon in Rhodes.

Day 2: Rhodes to Symi Bay, then Symi Port

Discovering Symi is like finding an exotic plant in the desert. The muted blue, amber, cream and rose coloured houses have been built one upon another up the steep sides of the inlet like a child’s building block version of a town. The harbour is a totally natural feature and Symi was once famous for shipbuilding and sponge-diving. Today, the harbour is lined with a fine selection of restaurants and tavernas and one can walk over the hill and past the old windmills to the deep inlet of Pethi Harbour, or rent a motocycle or taxi to explore further.

Day 3: Symi to North, Knidos ancient city then Mersincik Bay for the night

Once anchored at Knidos, take a tender ashore to explore the ruins of this once-thriving trade centre. Knidos has two theaters, the larger of which seated an audience of 20,000, a number of temples and an acropolis. Take in the view from above the ruined circular temple of Aphrodite - a site of worship which once attracted thousands of worshipers, all vying to witness the beauty of Praxiteles’s nude statue of Aphrodite. The base of this famous

statue can still be seen today. Also of importance is a sundial, developed by a son of Knidos - the great mathematician and inventor, Eudoksus. As you wander past a temple dedicated to Apollo or admire the mosaic floors of a church, imagine how life must have been in city perfectly positioned at the convergence of numerous key trade routes. Knidos has two ancient harbours and the yacht will drop anchor in the bigger eastern harbour from where it is possible to see the ruins. The harbour is unfortunately relatively unprotected from the wind so the captains often decide to overnight in Mersincik.

Day 4: Mersincik to Kalymnos

Kalymnos is a rocky and rugged-looking island. It is famous for its beautiful anchorages such as the fjord-like inlet, “Vathy”, and “Emborios".

The southern harbour, Vlichadia, offers the option of visiting the "Sea World Museum Valsamidis” — where a treasure trove of findings from the sea are on display, entertaining kids and adults alike.

Kalymnos was a major sponge fishing center and still bares traces of those times with some very stately homes dating from the era. While visiting Pothia, Kalymnos' main harbour, be sure to visit the private museum, "Neoklasiko Museum”. Fascinating, and beautifully presented, here you will be taken on a half-hour journey through the history and folkloric traditions of the Kalymnians.

Overnight in Kalymnos with dinner ashore in the village of Vathy — the taverna, "Aigaio Pelagos” is a good place for trying local seafood dishes.

Day 5: Kalymnos to Bodrum. Night in the nearby Bodrum

Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most popular coastal resort towns. White-washed houses decorated with colourful bougainvillea drape the sides of rounded hills that lead down to the harbour. A magnificent Crusader’s Castle stands proudly on a rocky promontory overlooking the marina. This is the heart of Bodrum, where tourists flock to witness the town’s famous nightlife as much as to experience its impressive history.

Heredotus, the father of history, was born here when the place was known as “Halicarnassos”. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassos was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and it is possible to visit the remains of this monumental tomb, along with the “Myndos Gate”, the antique theatre and the Castle of the Knights of St. John. Exploring the castle, which houses one of the largest museums of underwater archaeology in the world, is a very relaxing activity in the cooler hours of the day.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds after the dinner, set sail for the island just off the coast, “Kara Ada”. Overnight in Bodrum or nearby, with dinner on board or ashore.

Day 6: Bodrum to Hisaronu Bay (Selimiye direction)

Cruise to the Gulf of Hisaronu, arriving to Keci Buku, to kayak and swim alongside the tiny islet which sits out in the middle of the bay. If you’re keen to try some uphill trekking, there’s an ancient citadel on top of this island, which is well worth climbing. Next possible stop is the village of Orhaniye, set at the foot of tall, forested mountains. There’s more to discover in this rural paradise if you’re willing to hop in a taxi and drive inland to the village of “Bayir”.

Next destination is Selimiye Bay. Drop anchor and enjoy the unique beauty of this bay. Take a tender ride ashore to the fabulous seafood restaurant, "Sardunya" for a night of casual dining beneath the stars. . . on a wooden deck set along the water's edge. The restaurant is beautifully located and has an extensive menu, including the local delicacy,"courgette flowers filled with herb infused rice". Selimiye is an other coastal village in habited by artisans - and the many small art shops in the tiny village centre attest to this. Overnight in Selimiye.

Day 7: Selimiye to Bozburun

Begin the day with a leisurely sail down to Dirsek harbour - one of the best bays for swimming and snorkeling in the area, and fjord-like in appearance.

The scenery of area is simply spectacular, with high rugged mountains peeping out over gentle wooded slopes which descend to a rocky shore or a pebble beach. Cruise for Bozburun, in its heyday, a sponge-fishing village. Stay the night at anchor in Bozburun harbour and take a stroll ashore in the evening to see the sites of this charming little village, renowned for its friendly locals.

Day 8: Embarkation at Rhodes after breakfast